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Thursday, May 15, 2014

When I first received my film back, I was a little bummed because the person had clipped the first images wrong. However, after looking more closely at the images at home, I actually grew to like the effect.

In fact, I was pretty excited that the film was exposed alright because my battery which powers the light meter in my camera had died, so I was guessing in a really dark room.

Below are some distorted images from the Okkervil River show I attended in Montreal at the end of March.

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

The joys of shooting film again are becoming more and more apparent to me. Even the feeling of the camera slung over my shoulder, a Yashica my step-father used to use in yearbook club. The slight tug a reminder of its presence, like an old friend with whom you need not talk to spend time. Waiting to pick your film up and the unpredictability of what will come back.

Monday, April 21, 2014

So, I hosted my first family gathering in my apartment. I must admit, it was such a wonderful and rewarding process; I hope I have the opportunity to host more in the future! Easter was small this year. It was immediate family and my grandmother squeeze in my tiny living room, but the balcony doors were open and the fresh Spring air kept us feeling open.

My mother was kind enough to bring these delicious apples with granola crumble on top and some sort of cinnamon sauce inside. I made a spinach and mozzarella quiche, which was still in the oven when these photos were taken. I also grabbed some beautiful treats from Crisan Bakery, wrapped up for me by my beautiful friend Kater.

We rounded the afternoon off with a walk in the park. My grandmother loves reminiscing about the years of her youth spent living in the city.

I hope everyone enjoyed their Easter Day (or their Passover or their Sunday)!

Sunday, April 6, 2014

I found myself up in montreal again this past monday. I left work earlier to rush up there to meet one of my best friends from college, Jill. I had bought tickets to go see one of my favorite bands perform - Okkervil River. On the way up, I listened to their music the whole way. We grabbed a quick couple of drinks at Dieu du Ciel and headed over to La Salla Rosa for the concert.

The show was so much more than I could have imagined. Will Sheff's voice is the most imperfect perfection. In some interview He writes the best lyrics I've ever heard. Will Sheff did an acoustic, solo version of "A Stone" and I know it's corny, but I started to tear up from the rawness. In an interview I once saw, he explained how writing songs expresses a feeling and/or thoughts in a way that can't simply be expressed in words, otherwise music may not exist. I completely agree with this concept and I think it relates to all art forms - visual arts, cinema, music, etc. I'm going to add some really good live performances by Okkervil River at the end of the post, if anyone is interested.

Jill was kind enough to let me stay that night with her and her boyfriend in their beautiful apartment in Notre Dame de Grâce.

I woke up at my leisure and ventured out to make the most of a day in Montreal. Walking down the streets there, my heart feels like it opens up a bit. I don't really know how to explain it other than that... It's like I can breathe into my heart.

My favorite café in the world, Café Vero, has officially been graffiti-ed (as seen below). Not sure how I feel about rainbow kitty...

Every nook and cranny of Montreal holds so much to explore. There is not one street that does not have its own unique character.

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

I find myself never on here anymore. Grad school, work, and life in general have consumed my time. One day, I will be a good blogger again.

A lot of these songs remind me of waking up... Not waking up on a day where you've just gotten a bit too little sleep, but rather a day where you awake refreshed and you have no obligations to anyone but yourself. What I wouldn't give for a day like that right now..

Monday, November 4, 2013

the end of october found me bustling up I-87 towards montreal. i met up with one of my best friends, jill. she has recently moved to montreal, so i should have more excuses to head up north!

i decided it was about time i shot some film, so i grabbed my step-father's old manual camera from the '70s. i love the thought that goes into shooting a roll of film. you know you only have so many exposures, so you really think out each shot.

once i arrived, jill and i headed to santropol, one of my favorite casual restaurants when i lived up there.

afterwards, we went to café névé for some coffee and to split one their delicious chocolate chip cookies.

and admittedly, we went back to café névé the next morning... only this time, we shared a zucchini muffin.

fuchsia is a beautiful little store/cafe that i had heard about here and there during undergrad. they serve food, but only have enough seating for about 5-10 people. it is such a warm and beautiful little shop and they sell specialty items, like tea and infused sugars. they also serve espresso drinks. next time i go, i want to try their lavender (!) latte.

i ended up leaving with rose green tea and a rose oatmeal "biscuits en pot" (ingredients for cookies in a jar - you just add the butter and egg!).